Elementary II Course (ages 9-12)

June 17 – August 9, 2019

Description of Course

The new Elementary II course (ages 9-12) enables the adult learner to earn an AMS credential to teach children between the ages of 9-12. The adult learner attends the 8 week Elementary II course during the summer, followed by a practicum in an elementary (ages 9-12) classroom. The Elementary II course provides the use of selected materials of Elementary I (ages 6-9) which form the foundation for the Montessori upper elementary program and a complete Elementary II course of study.

The course will cover content area and presentations for math, geometry, history, economic geography, language, biology, chemistry/environmental studies, classroom leadership, and curriculum development and design. Techniques will include use of the material, follow-up exercises, ideas for supplemental teacher-made materials, and use of charts and time lines. Notes on the presentations will be given to the workshop participants. Also, teacher manuals for the lower elementary (6-9 program) and for the upper elementary (9-12 program) on the use of Montessori materials taught in this course are given to the adult learners.

This course is MACTE accredited.

Early Childhood Overview – June 10-June 14, 2019

The Early Childhood Overview is required for those who do not have an Early Childhood Credential. This is a one week course held during the first week of the summer courses. It provides the elementary adult learner with the foundation of early childhood materials and philosophy. An understanding of this foundation is essential to the adult learner in the elementary courses. While it is desirable to take the Early Childhood Overview prior to the Elementary I Course, it may be taken in a previous or subsequent summer.

Requirements for the AMS Elementary Credential

A four year college degree from an accredited college or university.

Successful Completion of all Elementary II Course Requirements

Montessori Early Childhood (for ages 3-6): either a 3-6 Credential or completion of the one week Early Childhood Overview.

The minimum requirement for attending the complete Elementary II including academic component and practicum is a 4 year college degree and permission of the Course Director. If adult learners do not wish to take the entire credential program, they may elect to participate solely in the academic component if they have at least 60 units of college credit.

Subject Areas (9-12) Covered In The Course Include

Math

Squaring and cubing of binomials and trinomials and their algebraic representations square root and cube root; all four basic operations with integers and their rules; powers of numbers through expanded and exponential notation; ratio and proportion. In addition, word problem solving techniques and their application are presented through the math program.

Geometry

Area, extended work with the Pythagorean equivalencies, circle work (circumference and area); lateral and total surface area. The solid geometry begins with the concept of volume through the application of various formulae and extensions with polyhedrons.

Ecomonic Geography

Emphasis is on interdependencies of people in an economic setting. Production consumption comparisons are made and related to the concepts of importing and exporting. Current event topics related to internal and external economic interdependencies and world changes are used as a springboard for further studies. (May include such things as study of commodities and stock exchange, World Bank, and World Court.)

History

Civilization studies are introduced with migration transition charts and a review of the fundamental needs of humans. These along with history research guide questions are used for the study of the following: Sumerian; Egyptian; Minoan and Mycenean; Greek; Etruscan; Roman; Medieval through Renaissance; Native American; United States; California.

Physical geography is studied as related to the specific civilization. Asian and African civilizations are presented for independent study.

Language

The history of the English language and etymology studies are taught throughout the program. Also included are continued and more in-depth study of the noun, adjective, verb and verbals. In addition, logical analysis work extends from simple sentences through compound, complex, and compound complex sentences, as well as other sentence variations.

Language mechanics, research and documentation skills are also included.

Literature

Literature is an integral part of the language curriculum as well as being integrated throughout the other academic areas.

Science

Philosophy of the 9-12 year old

Philosophy of the 6-9 is reviewed; then the specifics of 9-12 year old characteristics are discussed in relation to the curriculum, presentations, self-directedness, and interpersonal relations.

Classroom management and record keeping

Techniques for class groupings and organization as well as presentation follow-ups designed to foster Adult Learner independence are presented. The importance of accurate record keeping in relation to the child, the teacher, the parents, and the administration is emphasized. Various methods of record keeping and reporting (feedback in terms of lesson summaries, presentation check lists, progress reports) are presented.

Additional Topics

Music, School Administration

Workshop Sessions are held from 8:30-5:00 daily.

Four additional hours per week are required in evening sessions for directed practice and supervised material making. Some Saturday sessions will also be required.

During the Workshop, materials and philosophy covered in the Early Childhood Montessori Course will not be repeated; therefore, participants who wish to obtain the Elementary Credential must either attend an Early Childhood Montessori Education Course or complete selected 3-6 content in an Early Childhood Overview held the week before the Elementary Course.

9 Month Practicum

While the Academic component may be taken before receiving a Bachelor’s degree, the Practicum may not be started until the adult learner has received a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university.

Practicum requirements:

Monthly reports on the implementation of the Elementary Program in an actual classroom. (Teachers secure their own classroom in which to teach the Elementary Montessori Program.)

Preparation of assigned teacher-made materials.

Compilation of the Teacher Resource Manuals using notes received in the Workshop and additional personal notes.

3 observations by a member of the Teacher Education Staff. Adult learners must cover transportation and housing costs.

Writing of an original curriculum development project.

A 16-hour Seminar will be held during the practicum year. Exact dates will be announced.

1 Week Final Assessment

Presentation of assigned exercises to classmates as a general review, under the direction and supervision of a staff member.